7 Ancient Medicines That Are Still Highly Effective In 2024

Yes, you’re privileged living at a time in history when we have such easy access to what we need. Whether it’s information online, food delivered, or effective medicine you can buy 24/7 from a pharmacy, it’s yours for the taking. Let’s know about the ancient medicines that are still used to this date.

How did people even survive centuries ago? Without a chemist nearby, what did they do when someone got sick? 

Luckily, the concept of medicine has been around for a long time. Some modern medicinal products may even contain ingredients that civilizations have been using for centuries to combat problems like pain, fever and many other health concerns.

So, how many of these are still being used today? Can you treat your ailments in a more natural way and without having to queue at the pharmacy?

7 Ancient Medicines or Remedies Worth a Try

Here are some ancient medicines or remedies that you can try to get rid of various illnesses.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the ancient medicines which is greatly used. It is not only something to flavor your tea. Firstly, it’s a healthy item to add to your shopping list, thanks to containing multiple beneficial components, including fiber, proteins, and potassium. So, cooking with ginger means you’re creating healthy meals. 

But ginger can do more than simply maintain health. In fact, it’s on the priority list for many pregnant women as it’s known to help soothe morning sickness. To enjoy these positive effects, you can cook with it, or look for ginger-flavored products aimed at expecting mothers. 

For others, ginger could help treat the following:

• Digestive tract issues, such as gas
• Colic
• High cholesterol
• Colds
• Pain

Ginger has been a popular remedy in countries like India and China for centuries. Keep some ginger on hand so you’re ready for a range of health challenges. This is NOT just an old wives’ tale. 

St John’s Wort

You’ll find St John’s Wort in many health shops these days, either as a tea or capsules or even extract. So it’s easy to get your hands on.

This one was a popular remedy in Ancient Greece, with multiple applications:

• Treating wounds
• Countering depression
• Helping with liver or lung health
• Helping people sleep better

Although studies are ongoing, many experts believe this herb, obtained from the flowers of the Hypericum Perforatum plant, can have as good an effect on you as certain antidepressants. But there are some side effects and it doesn’t always work well with other medicines, so consult your doctor before simply adding it to your diet. 

Kratom

Since at least the 1800s, people in countries including Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Thailand have used kratom to treat pain, improve appetite or even affect energy levels and sexual desire. 

The remedy, originating from Mitragyna speciosa trees, did become popular in Western countries too, although for a while its use was controversial. Today it’s legal to sell and buy in most US states, with users enjoying pain relief and many other benefits. 

Kratom comes in various strains so it’s essential to pick the right one for your needs. For example, some will increase energy levels while others, when taken in the right dosage, will help you relax. 

Turmeric

Turmeric falls in the category of ancient medicines and it mostly hails from Asia and has been part of classic Indian medicines.

You may know it as a spice, but it can also help you treat certain conditions, although you need to consume a lot of it before it will carry any health benefits for you. This is because it doesn’t easily get absorbed into the human bloodstream. So, simply eating a curry dinner containing turmeric won’t be enough! This is why this healthy ingredient is sold as a supplement and not only as a spice. 

In large dosages, you can use this for treating:

• Anxiety
• Pain
• Arthritis

Many experts are starting to recognize turmeric’s value as an anti-inflammatory. So, try this instead of your usual headache tablets and you may be pleasantly surprised. 

Chamomile

This natural remedy you’ll see on many different aisles in the supermarket and pharmacy. It’s used in products for babies that are teething, teas to calm your nerves, candles and oils and many others. Its popularity started centuries ago, and ancient societies used it for:

• Digestive issues like constipation
• Treating wounds
• Respiratory issues

In our modern age, experts do see its use as a treatment for some conditions, even related to mental health. Just make sure you’re not allergic to chamomile before you consume it in large quantities. 

Ginseng

Ginseng has been a buzzword in recent times, becoming popular with those that want more energy and vitality. It is one of the ancient medicines that is also used in the present. Although in ancient times it was more popular in the east, especially in China, there is a type of ginseng called American ginseng. This is so popular on the Chinese market that farmers cultivating it may find their gardens raided by those who want to sell it at a high price. 

It was used to fight inflammation, provide more energy and even improve cognitive functioning. Today you’ll find ginseng in some energy drinks although experts don’t yet agree on its exact benefits.

Cannabis

Another controversial product is cannabis, which has been part of Chinese medicine since 2800BC or even longer. After banning its use for years, in recent years, many parts of the world have started to see its value and now allow its recreational use. It’s also being prescribed by health practitioners. 

For many, cannabis is part of the solution to treat:

• Pain 
• Inflammation
• Cancer treatment side effects
• Anxiety
• Tight muscles

Conclusion

These products have been around since time began, and perhaps we’re missing out on all the benefits they can bring.

Finding the right dosage may be the medical remedy you’ve been hoping for. After all, there must be at least some truth in their proposed value if civilizations have been using them for so long. 

Science has allowed medicine to excel at a rate historically unimaginable to humankind. While modern society is heavily reliant on these modern medicines, many of us still use herbs that were used to treat all kinds of ailments throughout ancient history. T

his article briefly highlights seven popular ancient medicines that were historically considered and still are effective.